Zhen Yan PhD
Zhen Yan
PhD
SUNY Distinguished Professor
Department of Physiology and Biophysics
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Autism; Behavioral Neuroscience; Brain Research; Cytoskeleton and cell motility; Epigenetics; Gene Expression; Molecular and Cellular Biology; Molecular Basis of Disease; Neurobiology; Neurodegenerative disorders; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Neuropharmacology; Neuropsychiatric Disorders; Neuroscience; Pathophysiology; Schizophrenia; Signal Transduction; Transcriptomics; Translational Research
Professional Summary:
Synaptic and Epigenetic Mechanisms of Mental Health and Disorders
Our research goal is to understand the synaptic action of various neuromodulators that are linked to mental health and illnesses, including disease susceptibility genes, stress hormones, and monoamines. Specifically, we try to understand how these neuromodulators regulate glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission in prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is important for emotional and cognitive control under normal conditions. We also try to understand how the aberrant action of neuromodulators under pathological conditions leads to dysregulation of synaptic transmission in PFC, which is commonly implicated in brain disorders. Recently, we are focusing on investigating how epigenetic abnormality caused by genetic and environmental factors results in pathological gene alterations, leading to synaptic dysfunction and behavioral deficits related to autism, stress-associated psychiatric disorders and Alzheimer's disease.
Multidisciplinary approaches are integrated in our studies, which include:
• whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of synaptic currents in brain slices,
• multichannel recordings of neuronal spikes in anesthetized or free-moving animals,
• viral-based in vivo gene transfer,
• biochemical and immunocytochemical detection of synaptic or nuclear proteins,
• transcriptomic and molecular analysis of genetic and epigenetic alterations,
• chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulation of neuronal circuits,
• behavioral assays of cognitive, social and emotional processes.
Education and Training:
- Fellowship, The Rockefeller University (2000)
- PhD, University of Tennessee, College of Medicine, Memphis, TN (1997)
- Southeast University, Nanjing, China (1993)
- BS, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China (1990)
Employment:
- Professor, Physiology & Biophysics, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2008-present)
- Associate Professor, Physiology & Biophysics, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2004–2008)
- Assistant Professor, Physiology & Biophysics, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2000–2004)
Awards and Honors:
- SUNY Distinguished Professor (2018)
- SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities (2013)
- University at Buffalo Exceptional Scholar Award for Sustained Achievement (2012)
- The George W. Thorn Young Investigator Award (2006)
- National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) Independent Investigator Award (2004)
- University at Buffalo Exceptional Scholar Award for Young Investigators (2002)
- University at Buffalo Top 100 Federal Grantee (2002)
- National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) Young Investigator Award (1999)
- National Parkinson Foundation Menek Goldstein Research Scholar Award (1998)
Research Expertise:
- Alzheimer‘s Disease: beta-amyloid, tau, cholinergic deficency, NMDA receptors, epigenetic-based treatment
- Autism: autism risk factors, Shank3, Cul3, social deficits, epigenetic-based treatment
- cytoskeleton and cell motility: microtubule motors, actin regulators, ion channel trafficking
- Epigenetic mechanisms of brain disorders: histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, ChIPseq
- Molecular and Cellular Biology: signaling molecules, regulation of ion channels
- Molecular Basis of Disease: dopamine, serotonin, stress hormones, risk factors for mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and autism
- Neurobiology: electrophysiology, synaptic transmission and plasticity, glutamte receptors, GABA receptors, ion channel regulation
- Neurodegenerative Disorders: pathophysiological mechanisms of Alzheimer‘s Disease and Huntington‘s Disease
- Neuropharmacology: new antipsychotic drugs, identify novel drug targts for autism and AD
- Psychiatry: pathophysiological mechanisms for autism, schizophrenia, depression, PTSD, ADHD
- Signal Transduction: G protein-coupled receptors, nuclear hormone recepors, protein kinases, phosphatases, proteases, epigenetic enzymes
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- April 2021–January 2026
Synaptic and Genetic Mechanisms of Sex-Specific Effects of Stress
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$2,621,841 - August 2019–March 2024
Targeting Histone K4 Methylation for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$2,532,180 - April 2020–March 2022
New Treatment Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease
NIH
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
$438,625 - April 2017–March 2022
A Novel Epigenetic Mechanism for Alzheimer's Disease
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,993,750 - August 2015–July 2020
Physiological and Pathophysiological Basis of Stress
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,993,750 - July 2014–June 2019
Functions of D4 Dopamine Receptors in Prefrontal Cortex
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,590,000 - February 2016–January 2019
Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Autism
Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation
Role: Principal Investigator
$540,000 - April 2013–September 2017
A Novel Pathophysiological Mechanism of Alzheimer's Disease
Department of Veterans Affairs
Role: Principal Investigator
$600,000 - July 2013–June 2015
Synaptic Functions of Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1)
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$435,875 - September 2010–June 2014
Synaptic Changes by Stress in Prefrontal Cortex
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,268,000 - July 2008–June 2013
Functions of D4 Dopamine Receptors in Prefrontal Cortex
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,662,865 - April 2010–March 2012
Aberrant GABAAR Trafficking and Synaptic Inhibition in Huntington's Disease
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$435,875 - July 2005–June 2008
A New Protective Mechanism for Stoke: Calpain Regulation of Glutamate Receptor Functions
American Heart Association
Role: Principal Investigator
$181,500 - July 2004–June 2008
Functions of D4 Dopamine Receptors in Prefrontal Cortex
NIH
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,306,240 - June 2003–May 2008
The Role of Cholinergic Functions in Alzheimer‘s Disease
National Institute of Aging
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,749,047 - December 2001–November 2006
Neuromodulator Actions in Prefrontal Cortical Neurons
National Institute of Mental Health
Role: Principal Investigator
$1,360,603
Journal Articles:
- Wang W, Tan T, Cao Q, Zhang F, Rein B, Duan WM, Yan Z. (2022) Histone Deacetylase Inhibition Restores Behavioral and Synaptic Function in a Mouse Model of 16p11.2 Deletion. The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology (Oct), 25(10): 877-889.
- Conrow-Graham M, Williams JB, Martin J, Zhong P, Cao Q, Rein B, Yan Z. (2022) A convergent mechanism of high risk factors ADNP and POGZ in neurodevelopmental disorders. Brain : a journal of neurology (Sep), 145(9): 3250-3263.
- Wang ZJ, Shwani T, Liu J, Zhong P, Yang F, Schatz K, Zhang F, Pralle A, Yan Z. (2022) Molecular and cellular mechanisms for differential effects of chronic social isolation stress in males and females. Molecular psychiatry (Jul), 27(7): 3056-3068. doi:10.1038/s41380-022-01574-y
- Cao Q, Wang W, Yan Z. (2022) Epigenetics-based treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease. Aging (May), 14(10): 4193-4194. doi:10.18632/aging.204096
- Li H, Jiang H, Li H, Li L, Yan Z, Feng J. (2022) Generation of human A9 dopaminergic pacemakers from induced pluripotent stem cells. Molecular psychiatry (May).
- Zhong P, Cao Q, Yan Z. (2022) Selective impairment of circuits between prefrontal cortex glutamatergic neurons and basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in a tauopathy mouse model. Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991) (Mar).
- Rapanelli M, Williams JB, Ma K, Yang F, Zhong P, Patel R, Kumar M, Qin L, Rein B, Wang ZJ, Kassim B, Javidfar B, Couto L, Akbarian S, Yan Z. (2022) Targeting histone demethylase LSD1 for treatment of deficits in autism mouse models. Molecular psychiatry (Mar). doi:10.1038/s41380-022-01508-8
- Sanacora G, Yan Z, Popoli M. (2022) The stressed synapse 2.0: pathophysiological mechanisms in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. Nature reviews. Neuroscience (Feb), 23(2): 86-103.
- Rein B, Conrow-Graham M, Frazier A, Cao Q, Yan Z. (2021) Inhibition of histone deacetylase 5 ameliorates abnormalities in 16p11.2 duplication mouse model. Neuropharmacology (Nov), 204(108893)
- Qin L, Williams JB, Tan T, Liu T, Cao Q, Ma K, Yan Z. (2021) Deficiency of autism risk factor Ash1l in prefrontal cortex induces epigenetic aberrations and seizures. Nature Communications (Nov), 12(6589): * Notable Publication.
- Qin L, Ma K, Yan Z. (2021) Rescue of histone hypoacetylation and social deficits by ketogenic diet in a Shank3 mouse model of autism. Neuropsychopharmacology (Oct)(Epub ahead of print)
- Wang W, Cao Q, Tan T, Yang F, Williams JB, Yan Z. (2021) Epigenetic treatment of behavioral and physiological deficits in a tauopathy mouse model. Aging Cell (Oct), 10(20): e13456.
- Wang ZJ, Rein B, Zhong P, Williams J, Cao Q, Yang F, Zhang F, Ma K, Yan Z. (2021) Autism risk gene KMT5B deficiency in prefrontal cortex induces synaptic dysfunction and social deficits via alterations of DNA repair and gene transcription. Neuropsychopharmacology (Aug), 46(9): 1617-1626.
- Rein B, Tan T, Yang F, Wang W, Williams J, Zhang F, Mills A, Yan Z. (2021) Reversal of synaptic and behavioral deficits in a 16p11.2 duplication mouse model via restoration of the GABA synapse regulator Npas4. Molecular Psychiatry (Jun), 26(6): 1967-1979.
- Rapanelli M, Tan T, Wang W, Wang X, Wang ZJ, Zhong P, Frick L, Qin L, Ma K, Qu J, Yan Z. (2021) Behavioral, circuitry, and molecular aberrations by region-specific deficiency of the high-risk autism gene Cul3. Molecular Psychiatry (May), 26(5): 1491-1504.
- Tan T, Wang W, Liu T, Zhong P, Conrow-Graham M, Tian X, Yan Z. (2021) Neural circuits and activity dynamics underlying sex-specific effects of chronic social isolation stress. Cell Reports (Mar), 34(12): 108874. * Notable Publication.
- Wei J, Cheng J, Waddell NJ, Wang ZJ, Pang X, Cao Q, Liu A, Chitaman JM, Abreu K, Jasrotia RS, Duffney LJ, Zhang J, Dietz DM, Feng J, Yan Z. (2021) DNA Methyltransferase 3A Is Involved in the Sustained Effects of Chronic Stress on Synaptic Functions and Behaviors. Cerebral Cortex (Mar), 31(4): 1998-2012.
- Zhang F, Rein B, Zhong P, Shwani T, Conrow-Graham M, Wang ZJ, Yan Z. (2021) Synergistic inhibition of histone modifiers produces therapeutic effects in adult Shank3-deficient mice. Translational Psychiatry (Feb), 11(1): 99.
- Williams JB, Cao Q, Yan Z. (2021) Transcriptomic analysis of human brains with Alzheimer. Brain Communications (Jan), 3(3): fcab123.
- Cao Q, Wang W, Williams JB, Yang F, Wang ZJ, Yan Z. (2020) Targeting histone K4 trimethylation for treatment of cognitive and synaptic deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Science Advances (Dec), 6(50): eabc8096 * Notable Publication.
- Rein B, Ma K, Yan Z. (2020) A standardized social preference protocol for measuring social deficits in mouse models of autism. Nature Protocols (Oct), 15(10): 3464-3477.
- Wang ZJ, Zhong P, Ma K, Seo JS, Yang F, Hu Z, Zhang F, Lin L, Wang J, Liu T, Matas E, Greengard P, Yan Z. (2020) Amelioration of autism-like social deficits by targeting histone methyltransferases EHMT1/2 in Shank3-deficient mice. Molecular Psychiatry (Jun), 25: 2517-2533.
- Zhong P, Qin L, Yan Z. (2020) Dopamine Differentially Regulates Response Dynamics of Prefrontal Cortical Principal Neurons and Interneurons to Optogenetic Stimulation of Inputs from Ventral Tegmental Area. Cerebral Cortex (Jun), 30(8): 4402-4409.
- Jin J, Bhatti DL, Lee KW, Medrihan L, Cheng J, Wei J, Zhong P, Yan Z, Kooiker C, Song C, Ahn JH, Obermair GJ, Lee A, Gresack J, Greengard P, Kim Y. (2020) Ahnak scaffolds p11/Anxa2 complex and L-type voltage-gated calcium channel and modulates depressive behavior. Molecular Psychiatry (May), 25(5): 1035-1049.
- Lepack AE, Werner CT, Stewart AF, Fulton SL, Zhong P, Farrelly LA, Smith ACW, Ramakrishnan A, Lyu Y, Bastle RM, Martin JA, Mitra S, O‘Connor RM, Wang ZJ, Molina H, Turecki G, Shen L, Yan Z, Calipari ES, Dietz DM, Kenny PJ, Maze I. (2020) Dopaminylation of histone H3 in ventral tegmental area regulates cocaine seeking. Science (Feb), 368(6487): 197-201.
- Rein B, Yan Z, Wang ZJ. (2020) Diminished social interaction incentive contributes to social deficits in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Genes Brain Behav. (Jan), 19(1): e1261.
- Martin JA, Werner CT, Mitra S, Zhong P, Wang ZJ, Gobira PH, Stewart AF, Zhang J, Erias K, Siemian JN, Hagarty D, Mueller LE, Neve RL, Li JX, Chandra R, Dietz KC, Lobo MK, Gancarz AM, Yan Z, Dietz DM, Dietz D. (2019) A novel role for the actin-binding protein drebrin in regulating opiate addiction. Nature Communications (Sep), 10(1): 4140-4140.
- Tan T, Wang W, Williams J, Ma K, Cao Q, Yan Z. (2019) Stress exposure in dopamine D4 receptor knockout mice induces schizophrenia-like behaviors via disruption of GABAergic transmission. Schizophrenia Bulletin (Sep), 45(5): 1012-1023.
- Zheng Y, Liu A, Wang ZJ, Cao Q, Wang W, Lin L, Ma K, Zhang F, Wei J, Matas E, Cheng J, Chen GJ, Wang X, Yan Z. (2019) Inhibition of EHMT1/2 rescues synaptic and cognitive functions for Alzheimer‘s disease. Brain (Jan), 142(3): 787-807. * Notable Publication.
- Zhu BL, Long Y, Luo W, Yan Z, Lai YJ, Zhao LG, Zhou WH, Wang YJ, Shen LL, Liu L, Deng XJ, Wang XF, Sun F, Chen GJ. (2019) MMP13 inhibition rescues cognitive decline in Alzheimer transgenic mice via BACE1 regulation. Brain (Jan), 142: 176-192.
- Wang W, Rein B, Tan T, Zhang F, Qin L, Yan Z. (2018) Chemogenetic activation of prefrontal cortex rescues synaptic and behavioral deficits in a mouse model of 16p11.2 deletion syndrome. Journal of Neuroscience (Jun), 38: 5939-5948.
- Ma K, Qin L, Matas M, Duffney LJ, Liu A, Yan Z. (2018) Histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275 restores social and synaptic function in a Shank3-deficient mouse model of autism. Neuropsychopharmacology (Apr), 43: 1779-1788.
- Qin L, Ma K, Wang ZJ, Hu Z, Matas E, Wei J, Yan Z. (2018) Social deficits in Shank3-deficient mouse models of autism are rescued by histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition. Nature Neuroscience (Mar), 21: 564-575. * Notable Publication.
- Seo JS, Zhong P, Liu A, Yan Z, Greengard P. (2018) Elevation of p11 in lateral habenula mediates depression-like behavior. Molecular Psychiatry (Jan), 23: 1113-1119.
- Zhong P, Hu Z, Jiang H, Yan Z, Feng J. (2017) Dopamine induces oscillatory activity in human midbrain neurons with Parkin mutation. Cell Reports (May), 19: 1033-1044. * Notable Publication.
- Wei J, Zhong P, Qin L, Tan T, Yan Z. (2017) Chemicogenetic restoration of the prefrontal cortex to amygadala pathway ameliorates stress-induced deficits. Cerebral Cortex (May), 00: 1-11.
- Cheng J, Liu A, Shi MY, Yan Z. (2017) Disrupted glutamatergic transmission in prefrontal cortex contributes to behavioral abnormality in an animal model of ADHD. Neuropsychopharmacology (Feb), 42: 2096-2104.
- Seo JS, Wei J, Qin L, Kim Y, Yan Z, Greengard P. (2017) Molecular and cellular basis for stress-induced depression. Molecular Psychiatry (Jan), 22: 1440-1447.
- Wei J, Xiong Z, Lee JB, Cheng J, Duffney LJ, Matas E, Yan Z. (2016) Histone modification of Nedd4 ubiquitin ligase controls the loss of AMPA receptors and cognitive impairment induced by repeated stress. J. Neurosci. (Feb), 36: 2119-2130.
- Zhong P, Yan Z. (2016) Distinct physiological effects of dopamine D4 receptors on prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons and fast-spiking interneurons. Cerebral Cortex (Jan), 26(1): 180-91.
- Xu Z, Jiang H, Zhong P, Yan Z, Chen SD, Feng J. (2016) Direct conversion of human fibroblasts to induced serotonergic neurons. Molecular Psychiatry (Jan), 21: 62-70.
- Zhong P, Liu W, Yan Z. (2016) Aberrant regulation of synchronous network activity by the ADHD-associated human dopamine D4 receptor variant D4.7 in prefrontal cortex. J. Physiol. (Jan), 594: 135-147.
- Jiang H, Xu Z, Zhong P, Ren Y, Liang G, Schilling HA, Hu Z, Zhang Y, Wang X, Chen S, Yan Z, Feng J. (2015) Cell cycle and p53 gate the direct conversion of human fibroblasts to dopaminergic neurons. Nature Communications (Dec), 6: 10100.
- Wei J, Graziane NM, Gu Z, and Yan Z. (2015) DISC1 protein regulates GABAA receptor trafficking and inhibitory synaptic transmission in cortical neurons. J. Biol. Chem. (Aug), 290: 27680-27687.
- Duffney LJ, Zhong P, Wei J, Matas E, Cheng J, Qin L, Ma K, Dietz DM, Kajiwara Y, Buxbaum JD, Yan Z. (2015) Autism-like deficits in Shank3-deficient mice are rescued by targeting actin regulators. Cell Reports (May), 11: 1400-1413. * Notable Publication.
- Plattner F, Hayashi K, Hernandez A, Benavides DR, Tassin TC, Tan C, Day J, Fina MW, Yuen EY, Yan Z, Goldberg MS, Nairn AC, Greengard P, Nestler EJ, Taussig R, Nishi A, Houslay MD & Bibb JA. (2015) The role of ventral striatal cAMP signaling in stress-induced behaviors. Nature Neuroscience (Feb), 18: 1094-1100.
- Cheng J, Xiong Z, Duffney LJ, Wei J, Liu AY, Liu S, Chen GJ, Yan Z. (2014) Methylphenidate exerts dose-dependent effects on glutamate receptors and behaviors. Biol. Psychiatry (Dec), 76: 953-962.
- Smith KR, Davenport EC, Wei J, Li X, Pathania M, Vaccaro V, Yan Z, Kittler JT. (2014) GIT1 and bPIX link Rac1 signalling to GABAA receptor cluster stability and inhibitory synapse strength. Cell Reports (Oct), 9: 298-310.
- Gu Z, Cheng J, Zhong P, Qin L, Liu W, Yan Z. (2014) Abeta selectively impairs mGluR7 modulation of NMDA signaling in basal forebrain cholinergic neurons: implication in Alzheimer’s disease. J. Neurosci. (Aug), 34: 13614-13628.
- Yuen EY, Qin L, Wei J, Liu W, Liu A, Yan Z. (2014) Synergistic regulation of glutamatergic transmission by serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in prefrontal cortical neurons. J. Biol. Chem. (Jun), 289: 25177-25185.
- Plattner F, Hernandez A, Kistler TM, Pozo K, Zhong P, Yuen EY, Tan C, Hawasli AH, Cooke SF, Nishi A, Guo A, Weiderhold T, Yan Z, Bibb JA. (2014) Memory enhancement by targeting Cdk5 regulation of NR2B. Neuron (May), 81: 1070-1083.
- Hayashi-Takagi A, Araki Y, Nakamura M, Vollrath B, Duron SG, Yan Z, Kasai H, Huganir RL, Campbell DA, Sawa A. (2014) PAKs inhibitors ameliorate schizophrenia-associated dendritic spine deterioration in vitro and in vivo during late adolescence. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (Mar), 111: 6461-6466.
- Wei J, Graziane NM, Wang H, Zhong P, Wang Q, Liu W, Hayashi-Takagi A, Korth C, Sawa A, Brandon NJ, Yan Z. (2014) Regulation of NMDA receptors by Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1). Biol. Psychiatry (Feb), 75: 414-424.
- Wei J, Yuen EY, Liu W, Li X, Zhong P, Karatsoreos IN, McEwen BS, Yan Z. (2014) Estrogen protects against the detrimental effects of repeated stress on glutamatergic transmission and cognition. Molecular Psychiatry (Jan), 19: 588-598. * Notable Publication.
- Duffney LJ, Wei J, Cheng J, Liu W, Smith KR, Kittler JT, Yan Z. (2013) Shank3 deficiency induces NMDA receptor hypofunction via an actin-dependent mechanism. J. Neurosci. (Oct), 33: 15767-15778.
- Cheng J, Liu W, Duffney LJ, Yan Z. (2013) SNARE proteins are essential in the potentiation of NMDA receptors by group II metabotropic glutamate receptors. J Physiol (Aug), 591: 3935-3947.
- Vithlani M, Hines RM, Zhong P, Terunuma M, Hines DJ, Revilla-Sanchez R, Jurd R, Haydon P, Rios M, Brandon N, Yan Z, Moss SJ. (2013) Effects of BNDF on neurogenesis and depression depend upon phosphorylation of the GABAAR gamma2 subunit. J. Neurosci. (Mar), 33: 15567-15577.
- Yuen EY, Zhong P, Li X, Wei J, Yan Z. (2013) Restoration of glutamatergic transmission by dopamine D4 receptors in stressed animals. J. Biol. Chem. (Feb), 288: 26112-26120.
- Chen GJ, Xiong Z, Yan Z. (2013) Abeta impairs nicotinic regulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission and interneuron excitability in prefrontal cortex. Molecular Neurodegeneration (Jan), 8(3).
- Lee JB, Wei J, Liu W, Cheng J, Feng J, Yan Z. (2012) Histone Deacetylase 6 gates the synaptic action of acute stress in prefrontal cortex. J. Physiology (Aug), 90: 1535-1546.
- Yuen EY, Wei J, Liu W, Zhong P, Li X, Yan Z. (2012) Repeated stress causes cognitive impairment by suppressing glutamate receptor expression and function in prefrontal cortex. Neuron (Mar), 73: 962-977. * Notable Publication.
- Gu Z, Liu W, Wei J, Yan Z. (2012) Regulation of NMDA receptors by metabotropic glutamate receptor 7. J. Biol. Chem. (Mar), 287: 10265-10275.
- Yuen EY, Wei J, Zhong P, Yan Z. (2012) Disrupted GABAAR trafficking and synaptic inhibition in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease. Neurobiology of Disease (Mar), 46: 497-502.
- Jiang H, Ren Y, Yuen EY, Zhong P, Ghaedi M, Hu Z, Azabdaftari G, Nakaso K, Yan Z, Feng J. (2012) Parkin controls dopamine utilization in human midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Nature Communications (Feb), 3: 668. * Notable Publication.
- Yuen EY, Li X, Wei J, Horiguchi M, Meltzer HY, Yan Z. (2012) The novel antipsychotic drug lurasidone enhances NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic responses. Mol Pharmacol (Jan), 81: 113-119.
- Liu W, Dou F, Feng J, Yan Z. (2011) RACK1 is involved in β-amyloid impairment of muscarinic regulation of GABAergic transmission. Neurobiol Aging (Oct), 32(10): 1818-1826.
- Mandal M, Wei J, Zhong P, Chen J, Duffney LJ, Liu W, Yuen EY, Twelvetrees AE, Li S, Li XJ, Kittler JT, Yan Z. (2011) Impaired AMPA receptor trafficking and function by mutant huntingtin. J. Biol. Chem. (Sep), 286(39): 33719-33728.
- Wang Q, Charych EI, Pulito VL, Lee JB, Graziane NM, Crozier RA, Revilla-Sanchez R, Kelly MP, Dunlop AJ, Murdoch H, Taylor N, Xie Y, Pausch M, Hayashi-Takagi A, Ishizuka K, Seshadri S, Bates B, Kariya K, Sawa A, Weinberg RJ, Moss SJ, Houslay MD, Yan Z, Brandon NJ. (2011) The psychiatric disease risk factors DISC1 and TNIK interact to regulate synapse composition and function. Molecular Psychiatry (Sep), 16: 1006-1023.
- Yuen EY, Yan Z. (2011) Cellular mechanisms for dopamine D4 receptor-induced homeostatic regulation of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. J Biol Chem. (Jul), 286(28): 24957-24965.
- Yuen EY, Liu W, Karatsoreos IN, Ren Y, McEwen BS, Yan Z, Feng J. (2011) Mechanisms for acute stress-induced enhancement of glutamatergic transmission and working memory. Molecular Psychiatry (Feb), 16(2): 156-170.
- Yuen EY, Liu W, Kafri T, van Praag H, Yan Z. (2010) Regulation of AMPA receptor channels and synaptic plasticity by cofilin phosphatase slingshot in cortical neurons. J. Physiology (May), 588: 2361-71.
- Liu W, Yuen EY, Yan Z. (2010) The stress hormone corticosterone increases synaptic AMPA receptors via SGK regulation of the GDI-Rab4 complex. J. Biol. Chem. (Mar), 285: 6101-6108.
- Hayashi-Takagi A, Takaki M, Graziane N, Seshadri S, Murdoch H, Dunlop AJ, Makino Y, Seshadri AJ, Ishizuka K, Srivastava DP, Xie Z, Baraban JM, Houslay MD, Tomoda T, Brandon NJ, Kamiya A, Yan Z, Penzes P, Sawa A. (2010) Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) regulates spines of the glutamate synapse via Rac1. Nat Neurosci. (Feb), 13: 327-332.
- Joiner MA, Lisé MF, Yuen EY, Kam A, Hall DD, Malik ZA, Qian H, Chen Y, Ulrich JD, Burette AC, Weinberg RJ, Law PY, El-Husseini A, Yan Z, Hell JW. (2010) Assembly of a b2-adrenergic receptor- GluR1 signaling complex for localized cAMP signaling. EMBO J (Jan), 29: 482-495.
- Twelvetrees AE, Yuen EY, Arancibia-Carcamo IL, Rostaing P, Lumb MJ, Humbert S, Triller A, Saudou F, Yan Z, Kittler JT. (2010) Delivery of GABAARs to synapses is mediated by HAP1-KIF5 and disrupted by mutant huntingtin. Neuron (Jan), 65: 53-65.
- Mandal M, Yan Z. (2009) PIP2 Regulation of NMDA Receptor Channels in Cortical Neurons. Mol Pharmacol (Dec), 76: 1349-1359.
- Saliba RS, Gu Z, Yan Z, Moss SJ. (2009) Blocking L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels with dihydropyridines reduces gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor expression and synaptic inhibition. J Biol Chem (Nov), 284(47): 32544-32550.
- Arancibia-Cárcamo IL, Yuen EY, Muir J, Lumb MJ, Michels G, Saliba RS, Smart TG, Yan Z, Kittler JT, Moss SJ. (2009) Ubiquitin-dependent lysosomal targeting of GABA(A) receptors regulates neuronal inhibition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Oct), 106(41): 17552-17557.
- Yuen EY, Liu W, Karatsoreos IN, Feng J, McEwen BS, Yan Z. (2009) Acute stress enhances glutamatergic transmission in prefrontal cortex and facilitates working memory. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (Aug), 106: 14075-14079. * Notable Publication.
- Gu Z, Liu W, Yan Z. (2009) {beta}-Amyloid impairs AMPA receptor trafficking and function by reducing Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II synaptic distribution. J Biol Chem (Apr), 284(16): 10639-10649.
- Graziane NM, Yuen EY, Yan Z. (2009) Dopamine D4 Receptors Regulate GABAA Receptor Trafficking via an Actin/Cofilin/Myosin-dependent Mechanism. J Biol Chem (Mar), 284(13): 8329-8336.
- Yuen EY, Yan Z. (2009) Dopamine D4 receptors regulate AMPA receptor trafficking and glutamatergic transmission in GABAergic interneurons of prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci (Jan), 29(2): 550-562.
- Zhong P, Yuen EY, Yan Z. (2008) Modulation of neuronal excitability by serotonin-NMDA interactions in prefrontal cortex. Mol. and Cell. Neurosci. (Jan), 38: 290-299.
- Smith KR, McAinsh K, Chen G, Arancibia-Carcamo IL, Haucke V, Yan Z, Moss SJ, Kittler JT. (2008) Regulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission by a conserved atypical AP2 interaction within GABAA receptor beta and gamma- subunits. Neuropharmacology (Jan), Epub
- Kittler JT, Chen G, Kukhtina V, Vahedi-Faridi A, Gu Z, Tretter V, Smith K, McAinsh K, Arancibia-Carcamo L, Saenger W, Haucke V, Yan Z, Moss SJ. (2008) Regulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission by GABAA receptor gamma2 subunit specific phospho-dependent binding of a YECL motif to the clathrin adaptor AP2. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (Jan), 105: 3616-3621.
- Zhong P, Liu W, Gu Z, Yan Z. (2008) Serotonin facilitates LTD induction in prefrontal cortex via p38 MAPK/Rab5-mediated enhancement of AMPA receptor internalization. J. Physiol. (Jan), 586(18): 4465-79.
- Yuen EY, Ren Y, Yan Z. (2008) PSD-95 and calcineurin control the sensitivity of NMDA receptors to calpain cleavage in cortical neurons. Mol. Pharmacol (Jan), 74: 360-370.
- Chen G, Chen P, Tan H, Ma D, Dou F, Feng J, Yan Z. (2008) Regulation of the NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic response by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and its impairment in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurobiol. Aging (Jan), 29: 1795-1804.
- Yuen EY, Jiang Q, Chen P, Feng J, Yan Z. (2008) Activation of 5-HT2A/C receptors counteracts 5-HT1A regulation of NMDA channels in pyramidal neurons of prefrontal cortex. J. Biol. Chem. (Jan), 283: 17194-17204.
- Yuen EY, Liu W, Yan Z. (2007) The phosphorylation state of GluR1 subunits determines the susceptibility of AMPA receptors to calpain cleavage. J Biol Chem (Apr), Epub.
- Yuen EY, Gu Z, Yan Z. (2007) Calpain regulation of AMPA receptor channels in cortical pyramidal neurons. J Physiol (Apr), 580: 241-254.
- Gu Z, Jiang Q, Yan Z. (2007) RGS4 modulates serotonin signaling in prefrontal cortex and links to serotonin dysfunction in a rat model of schizophrenia. Mol Pharmacol (Apr), 71: 1030-1039.
- Kastning K, Kukhtina V, Kittler JT, Chen G, Enders S, Pechstein A, Lee SH, Sheng M, Yan Z, Haucke V. (2007) Molecular determinants for the interaction between AMPA receptors and the clathrin adaptor complex AP-2. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (Mar), 104: 2991-2996.
- Chen P, Gu Z, Liu W, Yan Z. (2007) Glycogen synthase kinase 3 regulates NMDA receptor channel trafficking and function in cortical neurons. Mol Pharmacol (Mar), Epub.
- Benavides DR, Quinn JJ, Zhong P, Hawasli AH, Kansy JW, DiLeone R, Yan Z, Taylor JR, Bibb JA. (2007) Cyclin-dependent protein kinase 5 controls cocaine responses, motivation for reward, and striatal neuron excitability. J. Neurosci. (Jan), 27: 12967-12976.
- Liu W, Yuen EY, Allen P, Feng J, Greengard P, Yan Z. (2006) a1 and a2 adrenergic regulation of NMDA receptor currents in prefrontal cortical neurons: distinct roles of spinophilin and RGS proteins. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (Nov), 108: 18338-18343.
- Jiang Q, Yan Z, Feng J. (2006) Neurotrophic factors protect against rotenone toxicity on dopaminergic neurons through a microtubule-dependent mechanism. J Biol Chem (Sep), 281: 29391-29400.
- Jiang Q, Yan Z, Feng J. (2006) Neurotrophic factors stabilize microtubules and protect against rotenone toxicity on dopaminergic neurons. J Biol Chem. (Sep), 281(39): 29391-29400.
- Allen PB, Zachariou V, Svenningsson P, Lepore AC, Centonze D, Costa C, Rossi S, Bender G, Chen G, Feng J, Snyder GL, Yan Z, Calabresi P, Greengard P. (2006) Distinct roles for spinophilin and neurabin in dopamine-mediated plasticity. Neurosci (Jul), 140: 897-911.
- Jiang Q, Yan Z, Feng J. (2006) Activation of group III metabotropic glutamate receptors attenuates rotenone toxicity on dopaminergic neurons through a microtubule-dependent mechanism. J Neurosci (Apr), 26: 4318-4328.
- Chen G, Kittler JT, Moss SJ, Yan Z. (2006) Dopamine D3 receptors regulate GABAA receptor function through a phospho-dependent endocytosis mechanism in nucleus accumbens. J Neurosci (Mar), 26: 2511-2519.
- Gu Z, Jiang Q, Yuen EY, Yan Z. (2006) Activation of dopamine D4 receptors induces synaptic translocation of CaMKII in cultured prefrontal cortical neurons. Mol Pharmacol (Feb), 69: 813-822.
- Liu W, Yuen EY, Allen P, Feng J, Greengard P, Yan Z. (2006) alpha1 and alpha2 adrenergic regulation of NMDA receptor currents in prefrontal cortical neurons: distinct roles of spinophilin and RGS proteins. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (Jan), 103: 18338-18343.
- Wang X, Gu Z, Zhong P, Chen G, Feng J, Yan Z. (2006) Aberrant regulation of NMDAR functions by dopamine D4 receptors in rats after phencyclidine exposure. Mol and Cell Neurosci (Jan), 31: 15-25.
- Allen PB, Zachariou V, Svenningsson P, Lepore AC, Centonze D, Costa C, Rossi S, Bender G, Chen G, Feng J, Snyder GL, Yan Z, Calabresi P, Greengard P. (2006) Distinct roles for spinophilin and neurabin in dopamine-mediated plasticity. Neurosci. (Jan), 140: 897-911.
- Kittler JT, Chen G, Honing S, Bogdanov Y, McAinsh K, Arancibia-Carcamo IL, Jovanovic JN, Pangalos MN, Haucke V, Yan Z, Moss SJ. (2005) Phospho-dependent binding of the clathrin AP2 adaptor complex to GABAA receptors regulates the efficacy of inhibitory synaptic transmission. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (Oct), 102: 14871-14876.
- Yuen EY, Jiang Q, Feng J, Yan Z. (2005) Microtubule regulation of NMDA receptor channels in neurons. J Biol Chem (Aug), 280: 29420-29427.
- Wu HY, Yuen EY, Lu YF, Matsushita M, Matsui H, Yan Z, Tomizawa K. (2005) Regulation of NMDA receptors by calpain in cortical neurons. J Biol Chem (Jun), 280: 21588-21593.
- Yuen EY Jiang Q Chen P Gu Z Feng J Yan Z. (2005) Serotonin 5-HT1A receptors regulate NMDA receptor channels through a microtubule-dependent mechanism. J Neurosci (Jun), 25: 5488-5501.
- Tyszkiewicz JP Yan Z. (2005) b-Amyloid peptides impair PKC-dependent functions of metabotropic glutamate receptors in prefrontal cortical neurons. J Neurophysiol (Jun), 93: 3102-3111.
- Gu Z, Jiang Q, Fu AKY, Ip NY, Yan Z. (2005) Regulation of NMDA receptors by neuregulin signaling in prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci (May), 25: 4974-4984.
- Gu Z Yan Z. (2004) Bi-directional regulation of CaMKII activity by dopamine D4 receptors in prefrontal cortex. Mol Pharmacol (Oct), 66: 948-955.
- Tan H, Zhong P, YAN Z. (2004) Corticotropin-releasing factor and acute stress prolongs serotonergic regulation of GABA transmission in prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons. J Neurosci (May), 24(21): 5000-5008.
- Chen G, Greengard P, YAN Z. (2004) Potentiation of NMDA receptor currents by dopamine D1 receptors in prefrontal cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Feb), 101: 2596-2600.
- Tyszkiewicz JP, Gu Z, Wang X, Cai X, Yan Z . (2004) Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors enhance NMDA receptor currents via a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism in pyramidal neurons of rat prefrontal cortex. J Physiol (Feb), 554(3): 765-777.
- Zhong P Yan Z. (2004) Chronic antidepressant treatment alters the serotonergic regulation of GABA transmission in prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons. Neurosci (Jan), 129: 65-73.
- Wang X, Zhong P, Gu Z, Yan Z. (2003) Regulation of NMDA receptors by dopamine D4 signaling in prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci (Oct), 23(30): 9852-9861.
- Zhong P, Gu Z, Wang X, Jiang H, Feng J, Yan Z. (2003) Impaired modulation of GABAergic transmission by muscarinic receptors in a mouse transgenic model of Alzheimer's disease. J Biol Chem (Jul), 278(29): 26888-26896.
- Davila V, Yan Z, Craciun LC, Logothetis D, Sulzer D. (2003) D3 dopamine autoreceptors do not activate G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel currents in substantia nigra dopamine neurons. J Neurosci (Jul), 23(13): 5693-5697.
- Gu Z, Zhong P, Yan Z. (2003) Activation of muscarinic receptors inhibits beta-amyloid peptide – induced signaling in cortical slices. J Biol Chem (May), 278: 17546-17556.
- Ma XH, Zhong P, Gu Z, Feng J, Yan Z. (2003) Muscarinic potentiation of GABA(A) receptor currents is gated by insulin signaling in the prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci (Feb), 23(4): 1159-1168.
- Wang X, Zhong P, Yan Z. (2002) Dopamine D4 receptors modulate GABAergic signaling in pyramidal neurons of prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci (Nov), 22(21): 9185-9193.
- Cai X, Gu Z, Zhong P, Ren Y, Yan Z. (2002) Serotonin 5-HT1A receptors regulate AMPA receptor channels through inhibiting Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II in prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons. J Biol Chem (Sep), 277(39): 36553-36562.
- Yan Z, Chi P, Bibb JA, Ryan TA, Greengard P. (2002) Roscovitine: a novel regulator of P/Q-type calcium channels and transmitter release in central neurons. J Physiol (May), 540(Pt 3): 761-770.
- Cai X, Flores-Hernandez J, Feng J, Yan Z. (2002) Activity-dependent bidirectional regulation of GABA(A) receptor channels by the 5-HT(4) receptor-mediated signalling in rat prefrontal cortical pyramidal neurons. J Physiol (May), 540(Pt 3): 743-759.
- Feng J, Cai X, Zhao J, Yan Z. (2001) Serotonin receptors modulate GABA(A) receptor channels through activation of anchored protein kinase C in prefrontal cortical neurons. J Neurosci (Sep), 21(17): 6502-6511.
- Liu F, Ma XH, Ule J, Bibb JA, Nishi A, DeMaggio AJ, Yan Z, Nairn AC, Greengard P. (2001) Regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and casein kinase 1 by metabotropic glutamate receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Sep), 98(20): 11062-11068.
- Bibb JA, Chen J, Taylor JR, Svenningsson P, Nishi A, Snyder GL, Yan Z, Sagawa ZK, Ouimet CC, Nairn AC, Nestler EJ, Greengard P. (2001) Effects of chronic exposure to cocaine are regulated by the neuronal protein Cdk5. Nature (Mar), 410(6826): 376-380.
- Yan Z, Flores-Hernandez J, Surmeier DJ. (2001) Coordinated expression of muscarinic receptor mRNAs in striatal medium spiny neurons. Neuroscience (Mar), 103: 1017-1024.
- Feng J, Yan Z, Ferreira A, Tomizawa K, Liauw JA, Zhuo M, Allen PB, Ouimet CC, Greengard P. (2000) Spinophilin regulates the formation and function of dendritic spines. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Aug), 97(16): 9287-9292.
- Campton K, Ding W, Yan Z, Ozawa H, Seiffert K, Miranda E, Lonati A, Beissert S, Granstein RD. (2000) Tumor antigen presentation by dermal antigen-presenting cells. J Invest Dermatol (Jul), 115(1): 57-61.
- Bibb JA, Yan Z, Svenningsson P, Snyder GL, Pieribone VA, Horiuchi A, Nairn AC, Messer A, Greengard P. (2000) Severe deficiencies in dopamine signaling in presymptomatic Huntington's disease mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Jun), 97(12): 6809-6814.
- Flores-Hernandez J, Hernandez S, Snyder GL, Yan Z, Fienberg AA, Moss SJ, Greengard P, Surmeier DJ. (2000) D(1) dopamine receptor activation reduces GABA(A) receptor currents in neostriatal neurons through a PKA/DARPP-32/PP1 signaling cascade. J Neurophysiol (May), 83(5): 2996-3004.
- Bibb JA, Snyder GL, Nishi A, Yan Z, Meijer L, Fienberg AA, Tsai LH, Kwon YT, Girault JA, Czernik AJ, Huganir RL, Hemmings HC, Nairn AC, Greengard P. (1999) Phosphorylation of DARPP-32 by Cdk5 modulates dopamine signalling in neurons. Nature (Dec), 402(6762): 669-671.
- Yan Z, Feng J, Fienberg AA, Greengard P. (1999) D(2) dopamine receptors induce mitogen-activated protein kinase and cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation in neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A (Sep), 96(20): 11607-11612.
- Allen PB, Hsieh-Wilson L, Yan Z, Feng J, Ouimet CC, Greengard P. (1999) Control of protein phosphatase-1 in the dendrite. Biochem. Soc. Trans (Aug), 27(4): 543-546.
- Yan Z, Hsieh-Wilson L, Feng J, Tomizawa K, Allen PB, Fienberg AA, Nairn AC, Greengard P. (1999) Protein phosphatase 1 modulation of neostriatal AMPA channels: regulation by DARPP-32 and spinophilin. Nature Neuroscience (Jan), 2(1): 13-17.
- Stewart AE, Yan Z, Surmeier DJ, Foehring RC. (1999) Muscarine modulates Ca2+ channel currents in rat sensorimotor pyramidal cells via two distinct pathways. J Neurophysiol (Jan), 81(1): 72-84.
- Mermelstein PG, Song WJ, Tkatch T, Yan Z, Surmeier DJ. (1998) Inwardly rectifying potassium (IRK) currents are correlated with IRK subunit expression in rat nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurons. J Neurosci (Sep), 18(17): 6650-6661.
- Chen Q, Veenman L, Knopp K, Yan Z, Medina L, Song WJ, Surmeier DJ, Reiner A. (1998) Evidence for the preferential localization of glutamate receptor-1 subunits of AMPA receptors to the dendritic spines of medium spiny neurons in rat striatum. Neuroscience (Apr), 83(3): 749-761.
- Yan Z, Surmeier DJ. (1997) D5 dopamine receptors enhance Zn2+-sensitive GABA(A) currents in striatal cholinergic interneurons through a PKA/PP1 cascade. Neuron (Nov), 19(5): 1115-1126.
- Yan Z, Song WJ, Surmeier J. (1997) D2 dopamine receptors reduce N-type Ca2+ currents in rat neostriatal cholinergic interneurons through a membrane-delimited, protein-kinase-C-insensitive pathway. J Neurophysiol (Feb), 77(2): 1003-1015.
- Surmeier DJ, Song WJ, Yan Z. (1996) Coordinated expression of dopamine receptors in neostriatal medium spiny neurons. J Neurosci (Oct), 16(20): 6579-6591.
- Yan Z, Surmeier DJ. (1996) Muscarinic (m2/m4) receptors reduce N- and P-type Ca2+ currents in rat neostriatal cholinergic interneurons through a fast, membrane-delimited, G-protein pathway. J Neurosci (Apr), 16(8): 2592-2604.
Presentations:
- "Targeting Histone Modifying Enzymes for Autism Treatment in Mouse Models" Invited Symposium Speaker, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) 60th Annual Meeting (2021)
- "Epigenetic Treatment Strategies for Alzheimer’s Disease" Seminar in Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University (2021)
- "Epigenetic Treatment Strategies for Alzheimer’s Disease" Seminar at Department of Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University (2021)
- "Epigenetic Rescue of Social Deficits in Autism Models" Mozell seminar speaker, SUNY Upstate Medical University (2020)
Service Activities:
- Departmental Faculty Search Committee; member (2022–present)
- Research Focus Groups for the Jacobs School of Medicine, UB; member (2022–present)
- SUNY-Buffalo Presidential Advisory Group; member (2021–present)
- Distinguished Ranks/Chancellor's Awards Selection Committee; member (2020–2023)
- SUNY Alzheimer’s Research Council; member (2020–present)
- M.D./Ph.D. Student Steering Committee; member (2020–present)
- NIH; Pathophysiological Basis of Mental Disorders & Addiction (PMDA);; Charter Member (2015–2021)
- Editorial Board Member of JBC; Board Member (2010–2015)
- Regular Member of NIH Study Section (NTRC); Member (2009–2013)
- NIH; Neurotransporters, Receptors & Calcium Signaling (NTRC) study section, NIH;; Charter Member (2009–2013)
- Brain Disorders & Clinical Neuroscience (BDCN) Special Emphasis Panel, NIH;; Grant Reviewer (2007–present)
- NSF; Developmental Neuroscience & Neuronal Glial Mechanism Program, NSF;; Panel Member (2004–2005)